In the beginning, after the creation of the heavens and the earth, “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). The image of God did not refer to our physical appearance but rather the character of our spirit. The spirit of man was created in the image of God for the purpose of bringing Him glory and dwelling with Him for all eternity; “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

But when man sinned, a separation immediately formed with God; “they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8). Though man was physically banished from the garden and forbidden to experience the joy of walking side by side with his Creator, and though sin and the resulting separation was inherited by all future generations, there forever remains a damaged spirit which longs to return home.

Psalm 84:1-2
“How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

This passage was written by one who knew God and the joy of His presence. But the author also knew of man’s inability to be satisfied with anything less.

Before we know God, we attempt to stop the cry with all sorts of pacifiers, but nothing satisfies. We pursue pleasures of the flesh, challenges of the mind, and advancement in status, but the cry remains. Sooner or later (Oh Lord, may it be sooner!) we realize that Solomon was correct when he said; “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Many things of this world are worthwhile as they are done for the glory of God; but in the sense that they attempt to satisfy, they are all meaningless. The ONLY answer to the unsettled and restless longing deep within our soul is to return to a restored relationship with God. When we place our life in the Father’s Hands through faith in Jesus, He gives us His Spirit and says, Welcome Home! “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). And as we learn to walk in this restored relationship, we will finally be at peace.

There are so many things of this world which can occupy our time and consume our thoughts, but none that will truly satisfy. Our search can continue until our time on earth is gone, but the emptiness will remain. Let’s return to the Father today and live the rest of our days fully devoted to loving Him. Let’s put an end to the chasing and wandering, and finally allow Him to satisfy the cry of our heart.